The Battle of Anzio (chess, burraco, and bridge tournaments)

The Battle of Anzio: mind sports in the square

The Battle of Anzio is the major summer event dedicated to mind games that brings Piazza Pia to life in the heart of Anzio, within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital (Lazio). For over sixty consecutive evenings from July to August, the square overlooking the harbor is filled with tables, chessboards, and card decks: chess players, checkers enthusiasts, and fans of burraco and bridge gather here for a mix of competitive and social play. The name, which evokes the famous 1944 Allied landing, playfully refers to the bloodless "battles" fought every evening across the board and the green felt tables.

Chess, burraco, and bridge: the three disciplines

The event revolves around three great passions for intelligent gaming:

• Chess and checkers: the most popular and accessible discipline, featuring open challenges for everyone and simultaneous matches involving both adults and children;
• Burraco: official tournaments held under the aegis of the Federation, with federal referees present;
• Bridge: competitive evenings reserved for fans of one of the most technical and fascinating card games.

The burraco and bridge tournaments are held under the aegis of their respective federations, ensuring high standards and fair play, while chess and checkers remain the heart of the event, attracting curious onlookers and families during their evening strolls.

A project by the Pro Loco Città di Anzio

The initiative is conceived and organized by the Pro Loco Città di Anzio APS, with the aim of fostering social cohesion and promoting the culture of both traditional and competitive gaming. The event involves about a dozen local operators and associations, including chess clubs from the Castelli Romani and the coast, as well as local bridge and burraco circles. In its inaugural 2025 edition, "The Battle of Anzio" saw a massive turnout, with several thousand participants over the course of the summer, cementing its status as one of the most successful events in Anzio.

Anzio, between sea and history

Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea south of Rome, Anzio is a seaside city with a history spanning millennia: home to Emperor Nero, famous for its harbor and its role in World War II, it is now one of the most beloved coastal destinations in Lazio. Piazza Pia, with its scenic location near the harbor and the historic center, provides the perfect setting for an event that combines gaming, social life, and the outdoors on warm summer nights.

The 2026 edition

In 2026, "The Battle of Anzio" returns for its second edition: sixty-one summer evenings of tournaments held in Piazza Pia throughout July and August, as part of the rich "Estate Anziate" program promoted by the Municipality of Anzio and the Pro Loco. It is an invitation to discover how, on the Lazio coast, the most exciting battles are fought with moves, captures, and bids.